Why do i feel anxious about going to the dentist

Why do I have anxiety about going to the dentist?

It’s common for people to feel anxious about going to the dentist, also known as having dental anxiety. This can range from uneasiness and mild stress when visiting the dentist, to more severe anxiety or panic attacks. Some people may have dental phobia, which is when a fear of visiting the dentist stops you from going at all.

There are many reasons why you might have dental anxiety.

Previous negative experiences

You may have had a traumatic experience at the dentist before, causing you to associate the dentist with negative emotions. These experiences often occur during childhood.

Research shows that adverse or traumatic experiences in childhood can have long-lasting effects on mental health. Experiences in childhood can shape how people respond to stress and perceived threats later in life. So negative experiences at the dentist during childhood may contribute to the development of dental anxiety or dental phobia in adulthood.

Loss of control

Sitting back in the dentist’s chair and having your mouth looked at can feel invasive and trigger feelings of vulnerability or panic.

Fear of pain

Some dental procedures may cause discomfort during or after treatment, although local anaesthetic and other techniques are routinely used to keep patients comfortable. The anticipation of pain can be stressful.

Fear of the unknown

If you’re having dental treatment for the first time, you might not know what to expect and this can be scary. There are a wide range of dental treatments available, which can be overwhelming. Visiting the dentist can also involve a lot of dental jargon being used by dentists and dental nurses. This can cause confusion and worry when we don't know what to expect.

The most important thing is to let your dental team know how you're feeling. There are many ways they can help you feel more relaxed and in control during treatment.

Negative portrayal of the dentist

The portrayal of dentistry in media and film is often negative. Television and films often rely on outdated stereotypes of dentistry which may not reflect the experience people have in modern dental practices. People visiting the dentist are often shown in distress, and clinical scenes of dentistry can often be medically inaccurate.

These negative portrayals are likely to influence public perception of the dentist and spread fear unnecessarily.